It's worth laying out the Penguins potential trade chips to. The obvious ones are Ian Cole and Sergei Plotnikov. Two players that haven't excelled this year or and could possibly get something that would improve the team at the deadline. Potential wild cards could be Nick Bonino. Cullen has played ridiculous well this year and if a team requests Bonino or offers a good deal with him it wouldn't be unrealistic to see him traded. Chris Kunitz is one who could hold value, but I don't see us trading him.
The first target, Jiri Hudler. Hudler signed a four year, $16m contract with the Flames back in July 2012 which means that he will be an unattached free agent this summer and a popular rental. This means that it is likely his price goes up and beyond what the Penguins could realistic offer. With Andrew Ladd the other premier winger available, his trade return could directly impact Hudler's value.
The Flames have had a tough season compared to last year. Hudler hasn't escaped the effects, last year he had 31 goals but so far this year he has just 9. Despite this he has remained a strong playmaker for the Flames and is currently on pace to finish just below his assist total from last year, his best season.
Hudler has picked up his performance since the new year. Since January 1st he is good for 13 points in 17 games, 5 better than the 17 before that. It might not be much of an increase but it indicates that he was in a slump beforehand, evidenced by the number of 0 point games in that span compared to this year. The Penguins need players that get better in the latter part of the season and Hudler fits that narrative.
Hudler is a right winger so whilst he doesn't fit the need for a left winger this can be fixed by placing Patric Hornqvist on Crosby's left wing. Whilst Hornqvist himself is a right winger he has spent time on the left wing this season with Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. So the transition wouldn't be as drastic as it sounds. Hudler would then be able to slot into the vacant top spot on the right wing.
It has been rumoured that the asking price for Hudler was a 2nd and the Penguins do have two of those. I'd be happy to do it for the later pick, Anaheim's, but if the price includes any further picks I'd step away unless Calgary can offer something back. It has been indicated that they have an interest in Matt Murray but any deal should not be going ahead with him involved. He is our future goaltender. Being honest, I think Hudler will go elsewhere as other teams have more to offer. My guess is Dallas.
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